Filamentous Phage Associated with Pandemic Strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Author Information
Author(s): Tetsuya Iida, Akiko Hattori, Kenichi Tagomori, Hatsumi Nasu, Rochman Naim, Takeshi Honda
Primary Institution: Osaka University
Hypothesis
Is the filamentous phage f237 associated with the pandemic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus?
Conclusion
The study shows that the filamentous phage f237 is associated with both the O3:K6 serovar and other emerging serovars of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
Supporting Evidence
- 53 out of 96 strains tested positive for the phage f237.
- Phage f237 was found in strains with serotypes O3:K6, O4:K68, and O1:KUT.
- PFGE showed similar restriction patterns for ORF8-positive strains.
- High prevalence of phage f237 suggests it may confer an unknown phenotype to the bacterium.
Takeaway
Scientists found a special virus that is linked to a type of bacteria that can make people sick from eating seafood. This virus might help the bacteria survive better.
Methodology
The study involved isolating 96 strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from diarrheal patients and detecting the presence of the phage f237 using colony hybridization and PCR.
Participant Demographics
Strains isolated from diarrheal patients at Kansai International Airport quarantine station, Osaka, Japan.
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